Debunking Theft Deterrents That Don't Work

Is your home safe? Find out what are a few of the most popular thief deterrents that fail to get the job done and learn what you can do instead to keep your home safe.

With close to five burglaries occurring on an hourly basis in the US and unsettling predictions talking about three out of four homes projected to be broken into in the next two decades, there aren't enough effective prevention measures out there. The security of your home should rely on a mix of devices and solutions. However, using something more than simple locks on the main entryways as a means of keeping potential intruders away will not suffice. You need to know what are the best theft deterrents that actually work, and which of them are completely useless. A lot of myths and popular opinions have been debated over the years, and unaware homeowners, renters, and office space managers have embraced some of these practices with zero results.

Unfortunately, a lot of today's home burglar deterrents are nothing but mere myths, and they are seriously jeopardizing people's security. Today, we plan on debunking a few of the most popular of these myths for you.

Burglar Deterrents To Stay Away Fromdoor lock and key

  • Hiding valuables in the bedroom. It is not rocket science for a potential home intruder to realize your prized possessions are hidden in your bedroom, under the mattress or inside the sock drawer. Try to be as creative as you can with storing your valuable jewelry and the cash you keep in the house. Use a home safe you can hide inside a closet or into the floor, or use an inconspicuous location that the unique design of your home allows you to.

  • Displaying security alarm signs on your property. Avoid posting security alarm signs be it on the patio, in the area right above the main entryway, or right on the fence surrounding your home. Never give home burglars any precious information they might use about the alarm company you are using or the surveillance cameras you have installed. They may use the information against you and bypass your system in a jiffy. It is not difficult to go online and check out the website information they can find on the alarm and monitoring camera models you are freely advertising. Only use general alarm and property monitoring signs. The idea is for them to know your home is supervised and secured with the help of professional services and devices, without knowing the exact type and model number.

  • Never turning the lights off. People who are getting ready to go on vacation or leave their homes for a few days in a row for whatever reason will usually leave a few lights on. Anyone using minimum logic will rapidly understand that a home where the lights are turned on 24/7 is one with zero activity, which translates to “there is no one home”. You can, instead, use lights that can be programmed and controlled from a remote distance with the help of a smart home security system. Set your lights to turn on at a time when you would normally do it if you were home and raise as little suspicion as possible.

  • Having a “big/bad dog” sign on display. Most burglars know that a big dog may be too lazy to act, especially if they are sound asleep or well nurtured. A small dog, on the other hand, can prove to be a lot more helpful. Their joyous, easily excitable character recommend them as the best real-life alerts in case someone decides to walk on their territory.

  • Suspending your mail. Neighborhood burglars whose “job” is to carefully study all homes on their radius of interest and learn owners' habits will immediately notice any change in your rituals. This includes having the mailman stop delivering your newspaper. They will read into it and understand that you are most likely out of town and prepare their break-in plan.

Thief Deterrents That Do Work

Having easily visible locks on your entry doors and windows will considerably limit burglars' access to your property. No burglar wants to be spotted or caught in the act of picking a lock with a crowbar in the middle of the afternoon or late at night.

That being said, you should always make use of these locks. There are not there just for design or aesthetic purposes. Do not think no one will dare to get inside your home should you leave your front or back door unlocked. No matter how small of a property crime rate your neighborhood might have, it does not mean that you should act recklessly about it. Keep all your door and windows locked – have small locks installed on your windows and consider using safety bars. The emphasis should be on the particular time of the night when you and the rest of the household members are getting ready for bed.

Have deadbolts added to the existing locksets on your doors and do not ignore the garage door. Consider fingerprint or keypad locks for additional convenience and more freedom in use. Have a professional locksmith assess your exact lock needs and have your old locks re-keyed or replaced with grade-1 locks for more sturdiness. Thieves tend to get easily intimidated at the mere sight of a powerful Kwikset or Schlage branded lock on a door. They will usually move away and look for their next victim. Add a few indoor and outdoor security cameras and you will not only gather in satisfying proof for the police in case of a successful break-in attempt, but you might just manage to keep potential intruders outside. Very few burglars are willing to risk being caught on tape while trying to break in.

To have your home's security assessed, or for lock upgrades, call 247Locksmiths Near Me, we work 24/7, and can send a mobile locksmith to you in no time!